Create a Realistic Budget – BEFORE You Commit to a Remodeling Project
Some of the most common questions we get at Spóca Kitchen and Bath is are:
How much do cabinets costs?
What should I budget for appliances?
Can I afford Quartzite countertops?
If you’ve never remodeled before, it’s easy to assume the cost is mostly materials—cabinets, countertops, maybe appliances. But that’s only part of the picture.
In reality, your remodel budget gets divided into five main categories (or what we call “buckets”). Knowing what goes where helps you make better decisions, manage expectations, and stay in control of your investment by including EVERYTHING that you will need to include in your remodeling project.
Bucket 1: Cabinetry & Accessories (40–50%)
This is usually the largest portion of your budget, and for good reason—your cabinets define how your kitchen functions and feels.
What’s included:
● Cabinets (stock, semi-custom, or custom)
● Hardware (pulls, knobs, hinges)
● Interior organizers (pullouts, dividers, spice racks)
● Panels and trim
Want to save here without sacrificing function? We’ll help you choose durable cabinets with the right upgrades for how you actually use your kitchen.
Bucket 2: Surfaces (15–20%)
This bucket covers everything you walk on and prep on—plus what ties it all together.
What’s included:
● Countertops
● Backsplash tile
● Flooring (tile, hardwood, LVT/LVP, vinyl)
● Wall finishes (paint, wallpaper, wainscoting, etc.)
Stone counters or bold a backsplash can be your focal point—we’ll help you balance visual impact with your overall budget.
Bucket 3: Appliances (10–15%)
Appliance costs vary widely depending on brand, features, and layout.
What’s included:
● Range or cooktop/oven
● Refrigerator
● Dishwasher
● Microwave
● Hood or ventilation
● Beverage centers, warming drawers, or specialty appliances
Not every remodel needs commercial-grade appliances—we’ll make sure what you choose fits both your space and your lifestyle.
Bucket 4: Fixtures & Lighting (5–10%)
Small but mighty. The details in this category make a huge impact in daily comfort and task efficiency.
What’s included:
● Sink and faucet
● Garbage disposal
● Under-cabinet lighting
● Ceiling and pendant lighting
● Electrical upgrades
Many clients are surprised by how much good, layered lighting improves both function and mood in the kitchen.
Bucket 5: Millwork, Trim & Everything Else (5–10%)
This is your finishing layer—the architectural and decorative details that pull the space together.
What’s included:
● Crown molding, baseboards, and trim
● Doors, windows, and casings
● Built-ins or benches
● Paint/stain work
● Window treatments
● Bar Stools
● Vent covers, floating shelves, and odds-and-ends
This is often where clients choose to personalize their space with character details—especially in older homes.
Plus: Labor, Design, and Project Coordination (20–40%)
These aren’t included in the 5 material buckets—but they are essential. This covers the skilled trades, permit costs, and design services that make everything happen correctly and safely.
At Spóca, we offer a “done-with-you” approach, meaning we guide you through every one of these buckets with expert support—so nothing gets overlooked or under-planned.
Understanding where your money goes is one of the most empowering things you can do when planning a kitchen remodel. When you know what to expect, you can make thoughtful tradeoffs, avoid surprises, and feel confident in every decision.
We don’t just design kitchens—we help you invest wisely in the heart of your home.
Want help balancing your five buckets?
Let’s walk through your space, your goals, and your options—together.
